Comments - Terrific scene from the kabuki play commonly known as "Kagamiyama." In the second act, the senior lady-in-waiting Iwafuji challenges her junior, Onoe, to a fight with to demonstrate her martial arts skills, the test of a true samurai woman. Iwafuji secretly hopes to embarrass Onoe, who comes from a family of commoners. Onoe's loyal maid Ohatsu comes to her mistress's defense, fighting in her place and besting the evil Iwafuji. Ohatsu is shown in the center wearing a striped kimono, smiling up at the beautiful. She grips her wooden practice sword with both hands, striking at Iwafuji, shown at upper right with a malevolent grin as she raises her weapon above her head. Onoe Kikugoro appears as Ohatsu and Nakamura Shikan plays Iwafuji. Nicely detailed with embossing in Iwafuji's pink kimono and white collar. A lively image with large expressive figures and vibrant color.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 27 3/4" x 14"

Condition - With excellent color and detail. Three separate panels. Backed with old paper. Some rubbing and soiling in subject. A couple of creases. A few small holes repaired from reverse. Please see photos for details. Good overall.